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8 Best Life Jackets for French Bulldogs and Other Brachycephalic Dogs

Breed Specific Resources, Collars/Clothing/Accessories

Let’s face it, some dog breeds just aren’t made for swimming! Unfortunately for French Bulldogs and other flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds, swimming is notoriously difficult and in most cases, life-threatening. Fear not though, life jackets for French Bulldogs do exist and they’re absolutely essential if your Frenchie is going to be around water.

In today’s post we’ll be taking a look at some of the reasons why swimming is so difficult for these types of breeds as well our top picks for life jackets for French Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dogs.

Photo by Karsten Winegeart via Unsplash

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First off, what is a Brachycephalic dog?

Put very simply, brachycephalic dogs are breeds with flat or ‘smushed’ faces. Their muzzles/snouts are extremely short in comparison to the width of their skull.

Common examples include French Bulldogs, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Pekingese and Boxers.

Breed traits that make swimming difficult (and hazardous!) for Frenchies and other Brachycephalic dogs:

Flat face (short muzzle) – these dogs must tilt their heads upwards to keep their nose/mouth above water. This causes their back-ends to point down which causes them to sink. Team this with existing breathing difficulties and you have a recipe for disaster!
Disproportionately large or heavy heads (i.e. Bulldogs) – this leads the dog to tilt forwards (when they are already struggling to keep their heads above water due to their short muzzles – this is a double-whammy, making it near impossible to stay afloat).
Short legs – hinder buoyancy and make paddling difficult (i.e. Frenchies and Pugs)
Dense muscle mass (stocky dogs) – hinders buoyancy (i.e. Bulldogs, some Staffies)

Features to look for in a life jacket for your French Bulldog:

While ALL dogs should wear a life jacket if they are going to be spending time around water, they are especially important (and potentially life-saving) for Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds.

Features to look for when deciding on a jacket that is right for your pooch;

Snug fit with multiple adjustment points (always take detailed measurements)
Provides maximum buoyancy without impeding freedom of movement
A chin/neck float is particularly beneficial for novice or inexperienced swimmers as it helps to keep their chin above water
A grab handle for easy rescue in case of emergency
Strong, durable contruction with high visibility reflective accents
Provides sufficient buoyancy for your dog’s weight (always check weight guides)

IMAGE: Outward Hound ‘Standley Sport Life Jacket’ for Experienced Swimmers (via Outward Hound on Amazon)

8 Best Life Jackets for French Bulldogs and other Brachycephalic breeds:

1. Outward Hound
'Granby' Ripstop Life Jacket

via Amazon

Designed for all-around use, features rescue handle and front float. Suitable for novice to experienced swimmers.

2. Ruffwear
Float Coat (New Design)

via Amazon

Flexible, comfortable GAIA foam moves with your dog as they swim, suitable for water sport adventures and more.

3. Outward Hound
'Dawson' Swim Life Jacket

via Amazon

Designed with novice swimmers in mind, suitable for water sport adventures, includes front neck float .

4. EzyDog
Doggy Flotation Device

via Amazon

Snug fit with max. buoyancy, allows freedom of movement while keeping dogs upright in water at all times.

5. ZippyPaws
Adventure Life Jacket

via Amazon

Designed for all-around use. Features high visibility reflective stripes and ergonomic padded grab handle + front float flap.

6. Paws Aboard
Dog Life Jacket

via Amazon

Features high visibility reflective stripes., quick-dry fabric and lightweight design. 8 colors/designs to choose from.

7. Kurgo
'Surf N Turf' Dog Life Jacket

via Amazon

High visibility with reflective piping, features 2 sturdy transverse handles + removable flotation layer for easy cleaning.

8. Frisco
Dog Life Jacket

via Chewy

Features front panel flotation flap, rescue handle, 3 adjustable straps + high visibility reflective piping.

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Because life is
better with dogs.

8 Best Life Jackets for French Bulldogs and Other Brachycephalic Dogs

First off, what is a Brachycephalic dog?

Breed traits that make swimming difficult (and hazardous!) for Frenchies and other Brachycephalic dogs:

Features to look for in a life jacket for your French Bulldog:

8 Best Life Jackets for French Bulldogs and other Brachycephalic breeds:

Pin for later:

You might also like:

Because life is better with dogs.

Because life is
better with dogs.